Analysis of phase change materials (PCM) for building wallboards based on the effect of environment

Abstract

One of the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development in the building sector is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. In this regards, it is necessary the development and promotion of efficient, affordable, and high impact technologies, systems, and practices. For this purpose, new technologies as phase change materials (PCM) is being studied to improve the energy efficiency and reduce energy usage in buildings. This research aims to analyze the selection of PCM for building wallboards and roofs by comparison between multi-criteria decision methods (MCDM) and Building Energy Simulations (BES). For this purpose, a reference generic social dwelling designed in Ecuador to shelter four people in a space of 36 m2 has been chosen to perform the study. The MCDM COPRAS-G, TOPSIS and VIKOR are considered to accurately rank PCM alternatives, taking in consideration different material selection criteria. Moreover, BES are performed to: (a) further contrast the MCDM ranking of PCM and (b) numerically assess the thermal behavior and estimate the energy consumption with the incorporation of the PCMs. The results found discrepancies between the MCDM and BES, demonstrating the importance that the en- vironment variables play to appropriately assess the performance of PCM. Keywords: Phase change material (PCM), Multi-criteria decision making methods (MCDM), Building Energy Simulations (BES), Design builder, Material selection, Ecuador